IVV vs XSLV
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | XSLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $250M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.06% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 119 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +15.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +16.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +11.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +4.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -45.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 12, 2013 |
IVV vs XSLV Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF (XSLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while XSLV returned +16.90%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 15.37% for XSLV.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +11.33% for XSLV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +4.20% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +6.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -45.3% for XSLV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while XSLV charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $25 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.06% for XSLV.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XSLV share 0 holdings out of 620 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or XSLV?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XSLV charges 0.25%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or XSLV?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +16.90% for XSLV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +6.51% for XSLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XSLV?
XSLV has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XSLV -45.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and XSLV?
IVV and XSLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and XSLV?
IVV and XSLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 620 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XSLV?
IVV yields 1.10% while XSLV yields 2.06%, so XSLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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